The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop S-10 rear end swap for 37 chevy truck ?

Hi, New to site got a 37 chevy truck. and needing some help on what rear end to use. Am wanting to go back with leaf springs. In fact have bought a bolt in kit with leaf springs and bought a S-10 rear. I have rolled the rear end under the truck and it seems to narrow. Any help appreciated Thanks.

Welcome to the Bolt.
I used a 1980 Malibu rearend in my 37 along with my original springs. I used a 3" lowering block. I also had to move my rearend about 1 1/2 inches to get the wheel centered where I wanted it. That is no problem as I used a piece of flat metal and drilled a hole where it would fit on the center pin....measured out 1 1/2 inches and drilled another hole, taped it and screwed a big headed allen bolt into it for the rearend to set on. It has ran well and has stood up to some abuse

I used a 1980 Firebird/Camero rear axle under mine. If you use S10, I think they have to come from a 4x4. Joe

Thanks for the info. Really tired of scratching my head on this one.

The 4X4 rear is about 3/4 inch narrower then the original,I was going to install one in my 37 but went with a 8 inch so I could, change the gears easier. Jeff

Thanks for the help, I've went with a 73 nova rear which is just about the same width as the original rear end. maybe another day closer to having her going. thanks again stovebolters.

Im using the stock frame and a leaf spring conversion kit from speedway...planning on the 350/350 combo..Heres my question...I brought a chevy s10 disc brake axle 2 wheel drive wms to wms is 54inches. Does anyone think this axle will be a problem with this frame which is 43 inches wide from outside to outside measurement of the frame where the rear will be sitting under. I bought this rear cause I was told the 60 wide rears would be a problem putting tires on with the fenders now Im concerned I wont have enough room to put the tires on period...bangin my head...Now what? If anyone has the same series frame and swapped out the old end with an open rear I need to know what rear will fit I want to be able to run wide tires with no fenders but also want the choice of putting the fenders back on at some point...Thanks

never mind

Friends have used the 4x4 S-10 which should be wider than 2WD. Also if you get even close to the width you want with the rear axle, a wheel shop can move center of the rims in or out to suit.

For what its worth..... put a 79/80 Malibu under the rear of my 37. No problem. Still used original springs. I run 235's on the back. Get to narrow and you will rub the chassis.

I use wider then stock fiberglass fenders, most any tire will fit. Offset wheels will be about the only option when the axle is to narrow. Something else to consider is wheel bolt pattern. Can you get front wheels of the same pattern to fit? I swapped the front drums for a disk brake kit which uses 5 on 4 3/4 bolt pattern, the same pattern as the rear Trans Am axle.

Joe